Cannes car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Cannes
The best car rental companies in Cannes are Sixt, Hertz, Europcar. Prices start from €32/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 12%.
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Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Cannes
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Sixt
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€35/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#2
Hertz
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€37/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#3
Avis
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€33/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#4
Europcar
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€30/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#5
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€28/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#6
Enterprise
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€34/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#7
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€31/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#8
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€38/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#9
ADA
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €200Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€26/day
base rate
View ADA deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-21 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Cannes
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €32 | Renault Clio | 4 |
| Compact | €39 | Peugeot 208 | 4 |
| SUV | €58 | Peugeot 3008 | 5 |
| Convertible | €95 | Mini Cooper Convertible | 4 |
| Luxury | €145 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Cannes
Airport — Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Nearly all major rental brands operate directly from NCE's dedicated car rental center, about 30 minutes from Cannes along the coastal A8 motorway. The small Cannes-Mandelieu Airport (CEQ), mainly used by private and business jets, has very limited commercial rental desks.
Downtown — Cannes city center
Desks cluster near the Palais des Festivals and the train station, convenient for visitors arriving by rail from Nice or Marseille who want a car for the Riviera coast road and the Estérel massif.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport surcharge | ~12% of base rate | NCE airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | €15–30/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | €6–10/day | Per extra driver |
| A8 motorway tolls | €3–12 per trip | Driving the coast road toward Nice, Monaco, or Aix-en-Provence |
| Croisette-area parking | €3–5/hour | Near the Palais des Festivals and beachfront during the film festival and peak summer season |
| Refundable deposit | €250–500 | Standard hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Cannes
- Most visitors fly into Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), about 30 minutes from Cannes via the A8 motorway; the small Cannes-Mandelieu Airport (CEQ) handles mainly private aviation with very limited rental options.
- During the Cannes Film Festival (May) and peak summer months, downtown streets near the Croisette see heavy congestion and premium parking rates — booking ahead and using outskirts parking is common practice.
- The corniche roads connecting Cannes to Nice, Antibes, and Monaco are famously scenic but narrow and winding, making a car (rather than the crowded coastal train) the preferred way to explore multiple towns in a day.
- The Estérel massif just west of Cannes has a dramatic red-rock coastal drive (Corniche de l'Estérel) that is only accessible by car or motorcycle.
- Cannes sits directly on the A8 "La Provençale" motorway, linking it to Nice, Monaco, and inland Provence, with tolls applying on most stretches.
- Many hotels in central Cannes do not include free parking, so travelers renting a car should confirm hotel garage availability and fees before booking.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Cannes
Do you need a car in Cannes?
The city center and Croisette are walkable, but a car is valuable for day trips to Nice, Antibes, Monaco, and the Estérel coastal drive, none of which are as convenient by train.
Should I fly into Nice or Cannes?
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is the practical choice — it has far more international routes and a full rental center. Cannes-Mandelieu Airport (CEQ) serves mostly private jets with minimal commercial car rental.
How far is the airport from Cannes?
About 30 minutes via the A8 motorway, though traffic can extend this significantly during the film festival in May and peak summer weekends.
Is parking difficult in central Cannes?
Yes, especially near the Croisette and Palais des Festivals during festival season and summer. Expect €3–5/hour and consider a hotel with included parking.
What is the coastal drive from Cannes to Nice like?
The corniche roads are scenic but narrow with sharp turns, popular with both drivers and cyclists — allow extra time, especially in summer traffic.
Are there tolls driving from Cannes?
Yes, the A8 motorway toward Nice, Monaco, and Provence charges tolls, typically €3–12 depending on distance.
What is the cheapest car type in Cannes?
Economy cars like a Renault Clio start around €32/day. For the Riviera experience, a convertible starts around €95/day.
Nearby trips
